In February 2020, the Bundesliga was shaken by the “Hopp affair.” In several stadiums, ultras displayed insulting banners directed at TSG patron Dietmar Hopp. During Bayern versus Hoffenheim, the memorable scene unfolded in which Bayern’s players positioned themselves in front of the Hopp banner and demonstrated solidarity with the billionaire. The DFL threatened match abandonments.
It was the peak of a years-long debate about patronage, the 50+1 rule and the soul of German football.